However, I am wondering if you know how the DIP switches are configured in the circuit on the PCB. If they´re just some kind of "audio gate" to let any/all audio signals thru into some kind internal mixer/summer.

Or if they´re some kind of switches connected to a microprocessor, where it then controls which strings that will be passed on into (a analog?) mixer/summer

Thanks for the welcome! I have indeed investigated the usb route, and found it would be a little on the expensive side. It would be great to do away with all those cable though, no matter how pretty they look. If it was to be a usb only device, than that would cut off all those people who use multi-trackers, and mixers to record etc. So it would have to the best of both worlds...an active usb powered breakout box with optional standard breakout cables. I think it could get messy and unwieldy, not to mention the component costs and final product price....£350.00GB+ easily.

If that isn't bad enought it gets worse. I don't think there is a reasonable demand for a state-of the-art breakout box that does it all. Look at RMC Pickups, if their Fanout Box was in demand, then they'd be available to buy. I suppose it seems most V-Guitar players just aren't into recording and playing separate strings, except the select few.

I don't use a breakout box to record separate strings. I redesigned the GK3 with hi-end audio components. Chose component values that were on the 'cusp' so to speak, and ended up with a signal-to-noise-ratio well in excess of -105dB (on individual strings) That's a full 10dB quieter than the Roland GK3, and it's also a breakout box.

The latest Breakout Box sports an extra jack socket output, for those who want to record their mono guitar at the same time or separately. Also using the mono guitar output, you will be able to impedance-match a mic/line-input, unlike a passive guitar output.

SHIPPING CHARGES TAKE A TUMBLE
I am happy to say that I have recently switched my trackable shipping service to a new and less expensive provider. A typical orders shipping cost will now be in the region of £15.00GB - £25.00GB, unlike my previous shipping supplier’s charges that were around £50.00+GB. So now a typical active Breakout Box order to the USA will cost no more than £195.00GB, give or take a few pence (hi-end custom cables an optional extra).

The output level of a GK3 for instance, is about -10dBm with an average playing strength, on individual strings. Heavy guitar solos will peak at about 0dBm. A soundcards line input is just about fine, with around 10dB of gain. It could be possible to pre-amp the signals within the Breakout Box, but this would add something like £20.00GB to the asking price of £160.00GB. AND pre-amping an individual signal would be very bad audio indeed. ie, a pre-amp into another pre-amp, then into another soundcard pre-amp. You'd be losing precious zeros on your total-harmonic-distortion figures, not to mention adding quite a few dBs of noise. It's a fuzz box!

The best solution, if you have to 'up' the signal is to change 6 resistors on the GK3 itself. A simple matter of swapping six 10k resistors to 33k. This will give you about 7dB of gain, and you won't effect your V-Synth sensitivity settings too much.

I've started using the VT99 some again after having focussed on other things for a while. After playing around with MIDI, I am now itching to try out some separate string processing in ChucK. So a fanout box is needed. I've looked around and am unsure about how you actually acquire any of these.

So bumping this thread after a couple of years' sleep. Have any more products like these popped up since? Anyone able to offer a review besides BobTheDog on the RMC? Any tips on how you order e.g. a McMillen unit in the EU? I've written an email to Bill Bax asking about his product (maybe he'll notice this bump too).

I emailed RMC and Bill Bax and got quick replies from both, which is nice.

I'm lost regarding one thing - I get the impression that the GK mic needs to be powered in some non-obvious way for both of these units (and others) - is that correct? In the RMC manual there's talk of plugging in something somewhere and remembering to remove the cable after using to prevent battery drain. That's when using an RMC mic if I read correctly, will it be the same for GK mics?

I really want a box that is powered off mains, that I can just plug into and start playing. If you have to remove cables to prevent battery drainage, then I will need a constant supply of batteries (I will not, however much I beat myself up about it, remember to remove cables to prevent battery drainage, I know this from experience with stompboxes and iPads)._________________Antimon's Window@soundcloud@Flattrhome - you can't explain music

The RMC fanout will take power from any unit connected, if you only have the guitar connected it will be powered from the guitars internal battery if it has one. If you have something like a GR33 or VG99 etc connected though it will power itself from them.

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